Staff Software Developer in Test – System V&V

Job ID: 74158
Location: Palo Alto, California
Category: PD Operations and Quality

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At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

Job Type: Full time
Work Type: Hybrid

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We are seeking an experienced Software Developer in Test to join the Verification & Validation team,
specializing in embedded systems with a focus on vehicle cloud and connectivity applications. As a
Software Developer in Test, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated
tests for our embedded software products. You will also be responsible for defining, decomposing, and
realizing feature, function, interface, and testing requirements and associated integration efforts for Ford’s
next-generation electronic systems and controls. You will lead the end-to-end integration and testing of
these systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support product design, vehicle behavior
definition, prototype bring-up, and debugging. Join a team of knowledgeable and passionate engineers
striving to build robust and safety-rated systems, while ensuring the quality and reliability of our software
solutions.

What you'll do...

Own, design, build, and maintain comprehensive automotive system-level test benches including
in-house developed Hardware-in-the-loop systems (HILs), ensuring their seamless integration of
hardware and software components for reliable and scalable test environments, with a strong
emphasis on Python-driven automation.
Develop comprehensive verification and validation plans, test plans, test cases, and test scripts to
rigorously validate functional, non-functional, performance, safety, and regression aspects of
automotive software systems and components.
Oversee and coordinate the development and validation of Distributed (e.g. Software, Electrical &
Mechanical) Features on all UEV programs.
Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including software developers (e.g. BMS,
Body Controls, Connectivity, etc), controls engineers, and systems engineers, to:
- Interact with systems, hardware and software teams to develop test plans for major
  vehicle features, collaborating with device owners, program teams, core engineers and
  functional areas to create balanced solutions to competing requirements.
- Execute test cases and test scripts, leveraging advanced Python automation to enhance
  testing efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability across various testing phases.
- Decompose functional and non-functional requirements to comprehensive test scenarios
  that are actionable against V&V test platforms and test infrastructure.
- Create a constant feedback loop between field issues and functional requirements and
  test cases, ensuring that we are left-shifting testing and defect detection.

You'll have...

Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD degree in Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science,
or related field.
7+ years of experience in software testing, preferably with embedded systems in the automotive
industry.
Experience in Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools such as dSPACE, Vector, NI, ETAS, etc
Familiar with programming languages such as Python, Rust, or other relevant languages used in
embedded software development and verification.
Experience writing automated tests in test frameworks such as Pytest, Slash, Robot Framework,
or similar.
Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and ability to apply them to
automotive concepts
Experience with requirements capture in requirements management software platforms (JAMA,
Polarion, DOORs, etc.)
Strong experience debugging embedded systems at a module and/or system level, and the ability
to triage nightly regression failures.
Experience with software testing tools, frameworks, and methodologies (e.g., requirements-driven
test development, unit testing, integration testing, system testing, automated testing).
Experience designing/integrating/validating embedded software features across one or more of
the following domains: network communication, cloud and connectivity, multimedia, infotainment,
Android/iOS, and low-voltage power distribution.
A systems approach to design and development, with an eagerness for continuous improvement
and collaborative, cross-functional teamwork in a dynamic environment.
Excellent teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills

Even better, you may have...

Electrical Systems Engineering experience including understanding of systems engineering V
model.
Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard Analysis and Risk
Assessment (HARA).
Familiarity with common electronic components and comfort reading circuit design
schematics & data sheets.
Ability to work independently on technical tasks, effective troubleshooting, and problem-
solving with minimal supervision.
Strong written and verbal communication, and teamwork skills.
A systems approach to design and development with the desire and curiosity to strive for
exceptional delivery execution and continuous improvement.
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools.
Experience with vehicle launch.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a leadership level 6 and ranges from $150,200-$283,500.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

#LI-MZ1 #UEV

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Change the world with your ideas.

Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

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Support designed to go the distance.

From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

Health and Wellness

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
Financial and Retirement Programs

Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
Vehicle Discount Program

The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
Family Growth and Support

Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
Additional Programs

Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.

Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

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Staff Software Developer in Test – System V&V

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Change the world with your ideas.

Support designed to go the distance.

Health and Wellness

Financial and Retirement Programs

Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Vehicle Discount Program

Family Growth and Support

Additional Programs

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